Water Rights

Agriculture
We assisted a large forest products company by reviewing existing agricultural water rights and irrigation district contracts to assure they were adequate for a new cottonwood plantation.

We represent a rancher in challenging a determination of hydraulic connection for a new groundwater well.

We represent several farmers challenging seasonal restrictions in new water permits due to water quality concerns.

Utilities
We reviewed existing water rights and the ability to obtain new rights for four proposed new power plants in Oregon and Washington.

We obtained approval of an innovative municipal water reuse project under the city's existing water rights.

Commercial
We successfully assisted in a client obtaining the first permit in Oregon for a nonpotable water supply system.

We represent a real estate developer in a dispute regarding ongoing water service obligations of a water district.

We obtained water rights and approval of an irrigation district boundary expansion for a major golf course.

We represent several sand and gravel companies in obtaining water rights for their new and existing operations.

We represent a major resort developer in obtaining approvals for conversion of existing irrigation rights and reuse of domestic wastewater to serve the resort.

LITIGATION

Endangered Species
We represented water users in the Klamath Basin in federal court to stop ONRC from cutting off irrigation water to protect endangered fish.

Adjudications
We prepared and filed water rights claims in the Klamath Basin adjudication for a large cattle ranch and a major utility. We have also prepared and filed water rights registration statements for a utility, a small water district, and a city.

Water Rights Transfers
We represent a real estate developer in defense of water rights changes approved by the Washington Department of Ecology, in a case pending before the Washington Supreme Court.

PLANNING

Instream Flows
We represent two cities in a proceeding converting minimum stream flows for fish to instream water rights.

We protested an instream water right application on behalf of a utility.

Water Spreading
We represented four irrigation districts in settling a long-standing dispute with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation regarding alleged water spreading.

Land Use
We represent several municipalities in obtaining land use approval for expansion of their reservoirs.

We provide advice and assistance regarding water supply planning for two master planned developments.

REGULATIONS

Legislation
We developed special language amending the Oregon Forest Practices Act to clarify regulatory responsibilities of the Department of Forestry and the Department of Environmental Quality. We assisted the forest industry in presenting the proposal to the Legislature.

We drafted legislation to expedite water rights permitting in Oregon and a bill to facilitate changing the place of use of water within irrigation districts.

We drafted legislation on use of reclaimed water issues for presentation to the Oregon legislature in 1997.

We drafted amendments to the Water Code dealing with changes to existing water rights passed by the Washington legislature in 1997.

Environmental Regulation
We assist our clients in meeting environmental regulations applicable to water users, such as wetlands rules and the Clean Water Act. We negotiate terms and conditions of NPDES permits and wetlands permits.

We represent several landowners in proceedings to determine title to the bed and banks of navigable waters.

We represent several clients in reviewing and commenting on the 303(d) list for Oregon and Washington.